Can You Drink Alcohol on Mounjaro?

Finding information on whether it’s okay to drink alcohol while on Mounjaro can be a bit like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro — it’s not easy. While not exactly like climbing a 19,000 ft. mountain, the ambiguous guidance on mixing alcohol and Mounjaro can make our decision on whether to drink or not a bit more muddled than it needs to be.  

While the label may state no direct interactions between alcohol and Mounjaro, alcohol’s indirect effects on the medication can open the floodgates to a host of different complications. Let’s get to the bottom of how Mounjaro and alcohol interact to understand why drinking on Mounjaro may not be a good idea. 

Mounjaro: Management for Type 2 Diabetes

Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is a relatively new treatment for type 2 diabetes approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It is a weekly injection that is used to help manage blood sugar levels and lower the risk of common complications that are associated with diabetes. Mounjaro dosages range from 2.5-15 mg/0.5 mL with the starting dosage typically at 2.5 and increasing as needed. 

The drug is categorized as a dual-agonist that stimulates two different hormones  — glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. GIP receptors promote the production of insulin and increase insulin sensitivity. GLP-1 receptors also stimulate the production of insulin and reduce elevated blood glucose. By increasing the production of GIP and GLP-1, Mounjaro helps treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar and decreasing the risk of diabetes-related complications. 

Like other diabetes treatments, Mounjaro has also been studied and tested for its effectiveness in weight loss. How does a type 2 diabetes treatment aid in weight loss?

Understanding Mounjaro for Weight Loss

While Mounjaro and other popular medications such as Ozempic and Trulicity originated as diabetes treatments, they’ve also more recently been looked at as a weight loss treatment for clinical obesity due to their mechanisms. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Trulicity help with weight loss by regulating blood sugar and delaying gastric emptying. Research shows that Mounjaro, which has a dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism, promises even greater effectiveness. GIP stimulates satiety in our hypothalamus which signals to our brain that we are full. It also enhances the function of GLP-1, and together they increase insulin production, decrease appetite, and improve insulin sensitivity — all contributing to weight loss.

Mounjaro was recently FDA-approved as a weight loss treatment for those who are obese, overweight, and also have weight-related medical conditions. The weight loss treatment is produced by Eli Lilly under the new name Zepbound. The dosages for Zepbound mirror Mounjaro, starting at 2.5 mg and increasing after 4 weeks if needed. As the first weight loss drug of its kind with its dual mechanism, interest has skyrocketed — creating a shortage. This prompted the company to release a statement strongly discouraging off-label use of the drug. If we do happen to be prescribed Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes or Zepbound for weight loss, we may be looking to get the best use out of it (as it’s hard to get our hands on it). Could alcohol affect the medication? 

Interactions Between Mounjaro and Alcohol

Drug interactions refer to changes in the mechanism of a drug due to factors such as foods, drinks, or other drugs. Since alcohol is a drug, it interacts with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

Mounjaro and alcohol don’t have any direct interactions. However, this doesn’t mean that alcohol won’t negatively affect Mounjaro. It only confirms that the mechanism of Mounjaro on our body will continue to work in the same way even when alcohol is introduced into our system. That being said, is it a good idea to drink?

Can You Drink Alcohol on Mounjaro?

Drinking on Mounjaro is not recommended. Although there aren’t any direct interactions between Mounjaro and alcohol, drinking can still cause adverse effects and increase the risk of complications. 

Alcohol has significant effects on many systems in our body, which disrupt key factors that Mounjaro targets. These may include factors such as blood sugar, appetite, insulin, and more. Drinking isn’t recommended while taking Mounjaro, but what about Zepbound (Mounjaro used for weight loss)?

Negative Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Mounjaro

Mixing alcohol and Mounjaro may not cause immediate dangers to our health like other direct drug interactions. However, it opens the door to adverse effects and increased complications that include the following:

• Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, which is a potential side effect of Mounjaro. Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia, especially for those of us with diabetes. Drinking while taking Mounjaro heightens the risk of this side effect — leading to potentially dangerous symptoms including confusion, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
• Decreased effectiveness. Alcohol negatively affects the same markers that Mounjaro targets, including blood sugar, insulin, and satiety. By disrupting these markers, the effectiveness of the medication may be decreased. 
• Exacerbated side effects. Mounjaro and alcohol have many overlapping side effects including nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, and more. Drinking while taking Mounjaro can heighten these negative side effects. 
• Long-term health conditions. Both Mounjaro and alcohol are associated with kidney damage and pancreatitis. Mixing the two can amplify the risk of developing these long-term health issues.
• Interaction with other treatments. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are linked with co-occurring conditions. Drinking while taking Mounjaro can present the risk of having interactions with other medications and exacerbate co-occurring conditions.

Alcohol is a complex drug that can cause negative impacts, even without direct interactions. Let’s explore some ways we can approach alcohol more mindfully and safely while on Mounjaro.

Tips for Navigating Mounjaro and Alcohol Consumption

Drinking while taking Mounjaro isn’t recommended, but if we do choose to consume alcohol, safe drinking practices can help limit the potential consequences. Six practices we can implement to navigate drinking while taking Mounjaro more safely include the following:

1. Consult a Doctor 

Alcohol can affect us differently due to individual differences. Consulting with a physician provides us with more detailed guidance focused on our individual needs.

2. Know Limits 

A “safe” amount of alcohol when taking Mounjaro isn’t able to be determined, but understanding our individual limits helps us avoid excessive alcohol consumption that can negatively affect our weight, blood sugar, or overall health. 

3. Quit/Cut Back

Quitting or cutting back on alcohol removes or limits the negative effects that it may cause. This can improve different aspects of our life including our health, mental health, and social well-being. 

4. Manage Blood Sugar 

Keeping track and managing our blood sugar helps us avoid potential adverse effects. Since hypoglycemia is a common side effect of Mounjaro and drinking alcohol, it's even more crucial to monitor our blood sugar levels to ensure our safety.

5. Healthy Lifestyle

Following a healthy lifestyle through eating balanced meals and staying active supports the mechanisms of Mounjaro and helps to improve our overall well-being. It sets us up for the best chance to recover from the toxins in alcohol and fight against the conditions that Mounjaro aims to treat. 

6. Seek Support

Managing health conditions and/or working through an unhealthy relationship with alcohol isn’t easy. Different types of social support can help us overcome challenges and remind us that we aren’t alone.

These mindful actions can reduce the indirect interactions between alcohol and Mounjaro, but the safest bet is to remove the risk entirely by replacing alcohol with alcohol-free alternatives.

Main Takeaways

Mounjaro is a newer medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The first drug of its kind with its unique dual mechanism, Mounjaro is difficult to get a hold of. Understanding the risks associated with drinking on Mounjaro including worsened side effects, decreased effectiveness, and long-term health conditions helps us get the most out of the medication and keep us safe. Quitting or cutting back while on Mounjaro promotes a healthier tomorrow!